The End of the Tour (2015) – Review

★★★★★ – “Smart. Subtle. Brilliant.”

The End of the Tour is directed by James Ponsoldt and stars Jason Segel & Jesse Eisenberg.

Right after the publication of David Foster Wallace’s groundbreaking novel, reporter David Lipsky of The Rolling Stone heads out to interview Wallace on the final date of his book signing tour in 1996.

Jason Segel is one of my favourite actors and this film marks one of the greatest performances he’s ever done. As Wallace, he is instantly interesting, strangely fun and very likable. Segel has this character absolutely locked down and nailed shut. Pulling off an incredible performance with some really beautiful moments between himself and co- star Eisenberg, who was of course wonderful as usual. There are scenes in this film that are so realistic and genuine that I felt I could just sit and listen to what Wallace had to say for hours on end. There’s a really nice dynamic of charisma and chemistry between Segel and Eisenberg that I really enjoyed and mostly wished more of.

The screenplay by Donald Margulies is perpetuating and extremely course. It could flow on heavenly beyond the film’s running length which I felt was slightly too short. As I’ve stated many times before in my reviews, this is not a bad thing. If a viewer is left wanting more, then a job has been successful. I just found it so smart and clean and the way Segel worked with it was wonderful to watch and experience.

Music by Danny Elfman is very subtle and soothing as he underscores the many moods the film holds as it progresses. Very soft, mellow and shaded. It held the picture together nicely, as it should.

Ponsoldt did a fantastic job directing the film and I can tell he had a lot of interaction with the actors to create a very ambient viewing experience. This may not be for everyone, but it’s definitely one to watch.

My verdict; The End of the Tour presents a really great and unique collaboration between Segel & Eisenberg and I’d hope that others who watch this film will appreciate it as much as I do.